Is this Coop okay for Winter?

[nminusyplusm]

I'm glad I asked. I can easily make some hinged window flaps (wooden). I am new to chicken owning so I searched for coop plans. Several places recommended the plans for this coop, so I followed it exactly. I actually added the other roosting poles because I didn't like the only one being by the window. They get up and down just fine. I could drill some more holes for ventilation, just wasn't sure where...

I have three chickens (one in the pictures is a temporary visitor). Square footage inside is 11 (not including the hole) with 25 below. I let them free range during the afternoons. Should I cover the bottom hole at night too?

I bring out a rubber feed pan each morning with fresh water on days when it gets near freezing. I place it upstairs in the roosting box that no one uses since it's so cold (would it be better to place it downstairs like the usual waterer?). I have considered getting a heating base and metal waterer for the winter.

What's your run square footage? Minimum is 4 sq ft per bird in the coop plus 10 sf ft in the run. For 3 chickens that would be 12 sq ft for the coop and 30 sq ft for the run. Each of those 5 gallon buckets is eating a square foot too. From the pics it looks like you should start to plan on enlarging both.

Vents should be at least a foot above roosts so they're not sleeping in a draft. How tall is your interior? Doesn't look like you have a lot of height to work with.

 

[Chullicken]

Its a nice coop, just could use some updates on it to work a little better for you and your ladies. Kind of feel like a broken record on this post. Hinged window covers are a great thing and that will provide you with a better solution than cutting more holes into your structure. For the future, roost directly in the path of a vent/window opening is never a good idea as this makes them more prone to respiratory issues. The secret to chickens is always over plan and make bigger than you think you'll need..this allows you to have that extra space for just this situation. A friendly temp. visitor for the holidays. For your girls you have now, you should try to aim for a minimum of a 4' x 4' coop taking into consideration where you have the exit door when figuring out footage per bird. As it stands right now, I'd aim for more, say 20 - 25 sq. feet. So you could actually lower your roost bars, remove the center one you won't need it. General rule (In my circle anyway) is approximately 30 - 40" of space from the floor to the ceiling. This allows them to have the necessary space to hop up, and move around. Just as importantly this allows moisture from breathing/feces to float up and away from your girls where it can be vented out. Anyone that tells you a roost needs to be 'X' off the ground doesn't really know, there is no minimum. But, the head space is important. Given about 6 - 10" (Being generous) of roost room in regard to length, depending on the breed type you own. Bigger allow more, smaller you can lean towards the minimum. By lowering it, it should take them out of the direct path of the windows.

Now the run..since they free range that isn't as big of a deal though everyone would encourage you to expand that as well. Possibly add a chunk of square footage for those days they don't want to be out side in the full on weather. You can also do something as simple as just making two compartments that are integrated into your run for your water and food set up. This alleviates the space they are taking up within your run and for 3-4 loves you probably don't need a five gallon bucket, bit of an over kill. Another tip is when they do decide to hang out underneath, we have to keep in mind the all important flock hierarchy. Expanding your run will allow the bottom bird to 'claim' its own area if the others are being bossy.
Hope some of this helped along with everyone else's comments. Look forward to seeing what you do! Think your girls are in good hands. =)